Picture framing kit

ABSTRACT

A FRAME IS PROVIDED WHICH IS COMPRISED OF EXTRUDED ALUMINUM SIDE MEMBERS. EACH OF THE SIDE MEMBERS INCLUDES AN INTEGRALLY FORMED CHANNEL WHICH ENABLES THE FRAME TO BE UTILIZED FOR PICTURES OF BOTH NARROW AND WIDE THICKNESSES.

Oct. 19, 1971 TUH|NKY ETAL PICTURE FRAMING KIT 2 Sheets-Sheet 1 FiledSept. 2, 1969 INVENTORS. BENJAMIN rucm/vs/rr DA v/o HOWARD STE/N v 6JEFFREY .1. FRIEDLANDER United States Patent 3,613,280 PICTURE FRAMINGKIT Benjamin Tuchinsky, 7 Fernwood Court 07011; David Howard Stein, 301Park Slope 07013; and Jeffrey J. Friedlander, 565 Grove St. 07011, allof Clifton, NJ.

Filed Sept. 2, 1969, Ser. No. 354,697 Int. Cl. (20% 1/12 US. Cl. 40-1556 Claims ABSTRACT OF THE DISCLOSURE A frame is provided which iscomprised of extruded aluminum side members. Each of the side membersincludes an integrally formed channel which enables the frame to beutilized for pictures of both narrow and wide thicknesses.

This invention relates generally to picture frames and more particularlyto a picture frame which may be used for photographs, drawings or otherplanar pictures having a narrow thickness as well as for pictures havingsubstantial thickness such as stretched canvases.

Conventional picture frames are capable of being utilized for eitherpictures which are made on sheets of narrow thickness or for stretchedcanvases. Conventional frames cannot be utilized for both but rather canbe used for only one or the other. The conventional frame is alsodiflicult to assemble. For example, in one conventional picture frame,three sides must first be secured together and a picture then slid inthrough the open side. After the picture is slid into place, stufiingsuch as layers of cardboard or paper must then be slid behind thepicture in order to secure the photograph in place within the channelprovided therein. The fourth side must then be assembled to theremaining three sides about the picture that is already within theframe. Conventional picture framing techniques are thus not onlycumbersome but are also not attractively made.

It is therefore an object of the invention to overcome theaforementioned disadvantages.

Another object of the invention is to provide a new and improved framingkit which enables assembling a picture frame which may be used foreither narrow or thick pictures.

Another object of the invention is to provide a new and improved metalframe which is comprised of a plurality of extruded side members.

Yet another object of the invention is to provide a new and improvedframe which is entirely assembled prior to the placement of the picturetherein.

Another object of the invention is to provide a new and improvedsecuring member which is used with a picture frame in order to securepictures of narrow thickness into the frame.

Still another object of the invention is to provide a new and improvedsecuring member which facilitates securement of a stretched canvas in apicture frame having a forward bearing surface and a rear channel.

These and other objects of the invention are achieved by providing aframe having a side wall and a front wall. The frame further includes achannel on the inner surface of the side wall and a bearing surfacespaced from the outer surface of the front wall. The channels areadapted to receive a plurality of a first type of securing member tomount in the frame against the bearing surface a first type of planarmember having a thickness substantially narrower than the thickness ofthe frame. The channels are further adapted to receive a plurality of asecond type of securing members for mounting a second type of planarmember having a thickness substantially larger than the thickness of thefirst type of planar member.

3,613,280 Patented Oct. 19, 1971 Other objects and many of the attendantadvantages of this invention will be readily appreciated as the samebecomes better understood by reference to the following detaileddescription when considered in connection with the accompanying drawingswherein:

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a picture frame embodying the invention;

FIG. 2 is a reduced rear elevational view of the picture frame embodyingthe invention;

FIG. 3 is a fragmentary enlarged exploded perspective view showing theassembly of the frame;

FIG. 4 is an enlarged fragmentary sectional view taken along the line 44in FIG. 1;

FIG. 5 is an enlarged perspective view of the brackets utilized forsecuring the side members of the frame together;

FIG. 6 is an enlarged sectional view taken along the line 6-6 in FIG. 4;

FIG. 7 is an enlarged sectional view taken along the line 77 in FIG. 6;

I FIG. 8 is a perspective view of a first type of securing memberembodying the invention utilized for securing pictures of narrowthickness in the picture frame;

FIG. 9 is an enlarged perspective view of a second type of securingmember utilized for mounting a stretched canvas in said picture frame;and

FIG. 10 is a sectional view similar to FIG. 7 showing a stretched canvasmounted in the frame.

Referring now in greater detail to the various figures of the drawingwherein similar reference characters refer to similar parts, a pictureframe embodying the invention is shown generally at 20 in FIG. 1.

Picture frame 20 basically comprises a plurality of side members 22, 24,26 and 28.

As best seen in FIGS. 6 and 7, each of the side members 22 through 28 ispreferably comprised of extruded aluminum and includes a side wall 30and an integral forward wall 32 which extends transversely to the sidewall 30. Each of the forward walls 32 includes a rearwardly extendingflange 34 which is integral with wall 32 and extends transversely withrespect thereto.

The side walls 30 are each substantially disposed in planesperpendicular to the plane of the picture which is mounted in the frameand the forward wall 32 of each of the side members is disposed in aplane which is substantially parallel to the picture mounted in theframe. The side walls 30 each include a first flange 36 which forms therear wall of each side member. Each of the flanges 36 also includes aninwardly extending projection 38 which is disposed substantiallyparallel to the side walls 30.

The side walls 30 further include a second flange 40 which is disposedon the inner surface of the side walls 30 and which is aligned with theend of the flange 34 and which extends transversely to the side walltowards said flange 34.

'Each of the flanges 40 includes a narrow portion 42 and a transverselyextending projection 44. The projection 44 is disposed substantiallyparallel to side wall 30 and spaced therefrom the same distance as theprojection 38. Flanges 36 and 40 and projections 38 and 44 form achannel 46 on the inner surfaces of each of the side members 22 through28. The narrow portion 42 and the end surface of the flange 34 form abearing surface on each of the side members against which the picture issecured when the picture is secured in the frame 20.

Each of the side members 22 through 28 are secured together in arectangular configuration by a plurality of brackets 48. As best seen inFIG. 5, each of the brackets 48 is L-shaped and includes a first leg 50and a second leg 52 which is integral with and perpendicular to leg 50.As best seen in FIG. 6, each of the legs 50 and 52 of bracket 48includes a threaded opening in which a threaded fastener 54 isthreadedly secured.

- As best seen in FIG. 3, the end surfaces 56 of each of the sidemembers 22 through 28 are inclined at a 45 angle with respect to theouter surface of the side wall 30 of each of the side members. Thus,each side member is capable of being secured to a similar side memher ata 90 angle at each of the corners.

In order to assemble adjacent side members to make a frame 20, a bracket48 is utilized by inserting a first leg into the channel 46 of the firstside member and threadcd member 54 is rotated so that the threadedmember engages the inner surface of the side wall 30. Thus, as best seenin FIG. 6, in order to secure bracket 48 to the side member 22, thethreaded fastener 54 is rotated so that the fastener 54 bears againstthe inner surface of side wall 30 thereby causing the leg 50 of thebracket 48 to be urged against the projections 38 and 44. As thefasteners continue to be rotated, the leg 50 becomes frictionallyengaged or trapped within channel 46 at the end of side member 22. Theother leg 52 of the bracket 48 is then slid into the channel 46 of sidemember 28. Fastener 54 of leg 52 is tightened in the same manner and theleg 52 is then trapped within side member 28.

It can therefore be seen that in order to assemble the four sides of arectangular frame, the following steps are taken:

(1) A first leg of a first bracket is inserted into the channel 46 of afirst side member, the leg is slid in as far as it can go and then thefastener 54 is tightened. A second side member is then so disposed thatthe channel 44 is aligned with the second leg of the first bracket andthe channel is then used to receive the sec ond leg of the firstbracket. After the second side member has been telescoped completelyover the second leg of the first bracket, the fastener 54 in the secondleg is then tightened to secure the first and second side memberstogether. It should be noted that the end surfaces 56 are thentangentially contacting each other.

(2) The first leg of a second bracket is then secured into the oppositeend of channel 46 of the second side member. Fastener 54 is thentightened after the first leg has been slid in as far as it can go. Thesecond leg of the second bracket is then aligned with the channel 46 ofa third side member and inserted into the channel thereof. The thirdside member is thus secured to the first and second side member as thefastener 54 in the second leg of the second bracket is also tightened.

(3) The first legs of a third and fourth bracket are then placed in theopposite ends of the channel 46 of a fourth side member. Each of thefirst legs of the brackets are secured in the ends of the channel 46 ofthe fourth side member.

(4) As best seen in FIG. 3, the second legs of each of the brackets 48at the end of the fourth member (side member 22) are then aligned withthe channels 46 of the first and third side members (side members 24 and28). The legs of the brackets are then slid into the channels. Thefasteners 54 of each of the legs are then tightened thereby completingthe fourth side of the frame.

The picture frame is now adapted to receive either a picture having anarrow thickness or a picture of substantial thickness such as astretched canvas. FIGS. 2, 4, 6 and 7 show a picture of narrow thicknesssecured in the frame. As best seen in FIGS. 6 and 7, the framepreferably utilizes a glass window 58 and a backing member 60 such asstiff paper or cardboard for mounting a narrow, planar or fiatphotograph 62. It should be understood, however, that neither the glass58 nor the backer 60 is required where the picture 62 is comprised of astiff material.

The picture 62 as well as the window 58 and backer 60 is secured inplace by a plurality of securing members 64.

The securing members are best seen in FIG. 8. Each securing memberpreferably comprises a planar elongated member 66 and a flange 68 whichis generally S- shaped and which is resilient. As best seen in FIG. 7,the width of elongated member 66 is larger than the opening between theends of projections 44 and 38 at the opening of channels 46. However, itshould also be noted that the width of the planar members 66 of thefastening member 64 is narrower than the width at the base of thechannel 46 adjacent the inner surface of side wall 30.

In order to secure a picture of narrow thickness in the frame, the frameis preferably placed with the front wall 32 placed downwardly againstthe top surface of a platform or table. The picture 62, the window 58and backing member 60 are rested on the bearing surface formed by theend of flanges 34 and the ledge formed by narrow portion 42 of flange40.

The plurality of securing members 64 are then utilized to secure thepicture 62 in the frame against the bearing surfaces formed by flanges34 and 40.

Each of the securing members 64 are snapped into the channel 46 so thatthe resilient flange member 68 acts to urge the picture 62 against thebearing surface. The securing member 64 is secured in channel 46 byurging a first end of the planar member 66 of the securing member intothe opening formed between projection 44 and the inner surface of sidewall 30. The end 70 is pushed towards the flange 40 as the resilientflange 68 is bent outwardly or deformed. When the end 70 of the planarmember 66 has been pressed far enough towards the flange 40, the end 72of the planar member 66 clears the end of projection 38 and therebyenables the entry of the planar member 66 into the channel 46.

The securing member 64 is then released and the resilient member 68thereby causes the planar member to slide rearwardly so that end 72 ofmember 66 abuts the inner surface of flange 36. Thus, when the securingmember is in its final position, it is in the position shown in FIG. 7.

As seen in FIG. 2, a plurality of the securing members 64 are placed atvarious positions around the periphery of the frame in order to securethe picture 62 in the frame. The flanges 68 of the securing members thusapply a resilient urging at the rear of the picture about the peripherythereof. Also, the flexibility of flanges 68 enables the frame toreceive a wide range of thicknesses of narrow pictures.

As set forth above the frame 20 is also capable of securing a stretchedcanvas therein. In order to secure the stretched canvas within the frame20, a plurality of securing members 74 are utilized.

A securing member 74 is best seen in FIG. 9. As seen, the securingmember preferably comprises a sheet of metal having a straight portion76 and a U-shaped portion 78-. The U-shaped portion 78 includes a firstleg 80 which is flared outwardly in order to enable quick securement ofthe U-shaped portion 78 to flange 38. That is, prior to the insertion ofa stretched canvas, a plurality of the securing members 74 are securedto the flanges 38 of the side members of a frame. The U-shaped members78 are placed about the flange with the straight portion 76 extendingperpendicular to the flange 36. A stretched canvas 81 comprising acanvas 82 which is secured to a stretching member 84 is then rested onthe bearing surface of the frame. The straight portions 76 of each ofthe securing members 74 are then bent at line 86 to the position shownin phantom at 76 in FIG. 9. A fastening member 88 is then insertedthrough openings 90 provided in the straight portion 76 and is securedin the stretching member 84 to secure the stretched canvas 81 in theframe 20.

It can therefore be seen that a new and improved framing kit has beenprovided. The kit comprises a frame having a plurality of extruded metalside members, each of which includes a channel which enables the use ofan L-shaped bracket for securing the side members together as well as toreceive either a first or second securing memher for mounting either aprint, photograph or drawing or in the alternative, to secure astretched canvas in the frame.

The frame is easily assembled and the pictures are also easily securedin the frame.

Without further elaboration, the foregoing will so full illustrate ourinvention that others may, by applying current or future knowledge,readily adapt the same for use under various conditions of service.

What is claimed as the invention is:

1. A securing member in combination with a frame having a peripheralinner bearing surface for receipt of a stretched canvas and a channel onthe inner surface of said frame adjacent said bearing surface, saidchannel having an inner and outer flange surrounding an opening thereto,said securing member including a straight portion and a U-shapedportion, said U-shaped portion adapted to be secured to said outerflange of said channel and said straight portion adapted to be securedto the rear of said stretched canvas.

2. The invention of claim 1 wherein said straight portion is planar andincludes an opening, said straight portion adapted to be bent over therear of said stretched canvas and said straight portion is secured tosaid canvas by inserting a fastening means through said opening.

3. A frame comprising a plurality of side members each having a sidewall and a front wall, said side members each further including achannel on the inner surface of said side wall and a bearing surfacespaced from the outer surface of said front wall, said channels adaptedto receive a plurality of a first type of securing members to mount insaid frame against said bearing surface, a first type of planar memberhaving a thickness substantially narrower than the thickness of saidframe, said channel further adapted to receive a plurality of a secondtype of securing members for mounting a second type of planar memberhaving a thickness substantially larger than the thickness of said firsttype of planar member, said second type of members each being comprisedof a planar elongated strip having a U-shaped end for connection to saidchannel and a bendable straight portion for folding over the rearsurface of said second type of planar member.

4. A frame comprising a plurality of side members each having a sideWall and a front wall, said side members each further including achannel on the inner surface of said side wall which extendstransversely to said front wall and a bearing surface spaced from butparallel to the outer surface of said front wall, a plurality ofbrackets, each of said brackets securing a different set of adjacentside members together, said brackets being comprised of a pair ofelongated legs, each of said legs being adapted to be slid into the endof a channel of said side member, each of said legs including fasteningmeans for frictionally securing said legs in said channels, and aplurality of securing members to mount in said frame against saidbearing surface a planar member, said securing members having a portionwhich is received in said channel to secure said planar member againstsaid bearing surface.

5. The invention of claim 4 wherein said securing members are eachcomprised of a rectangular member and a resilient flange, saidrectangular member being snapped into said channel while said resilientflange urges said planar member against said bearing surface.

6. A securing member in combination with a frame having a peripheralinner bearing surface for receipt of a planar member and a channel onthe inner surface of said frame adjacent said bearing surface, saidchannel having an inner and outer flange surrounding an opening thereto,said securing member including an elongated substantially rectangularmember having a width larger than the width in said opening of saidchannel between said flanges but smaller than the width of said channelat the base thereof and a resilient member, said resilient memberextending from said rectangular member and acting to urge a planarmember against said bearing surface and the outer edge of saidrectangular member into said opening adjacent said outer flange so thatsaid rectangular member is confined in said opening by said inner andouter flanges.

References Cited UNITED STATES PATENTS 1,754,814 4/1930 Budd 40l562,075,588 3/1937 Meyers 40-152 2,581,843 1/1952 Edwards 40156 2,654,451/1953 Schmidgall 40l52 X 2,970,397 2/1961 Roseman 40-156 ROBERT W.MICHELL, Primary Examiner W. J. CONTRERAS, Assistant Examiner

